November 17, 2017
In May this year an Editorial out of Anguilla caught our attention. The caption read: Realising Anguilla’s needs and wants – what will it take? It appeared to have been a guest editorial, but it did not state that. Only bylined ‘By anguillian’.
It outlined: “It is obvious from the comments, observations and assertions of Anguillians, that Anguillians want the best and expect the best in all aspects of life on Anguilla. This results in a very extensive shopping list for the consideration of Anguilla’s leaders as they contemplate how best to utilise Anguilla’s limited financial resources. The development of a national plan is considered essential, by many, to guide our leaders in the decision-making process, as they seek to prioritise their response to the many needs and wants of Anguilla’s populace.”
Does this sound any different for Montserrat? You may disagree but in ways it does. What was called for as it said: “…neither the development of a national plan, nor the subsequent adherence to a national plan, will be easy without significant cooperation and collaboration among the various sectors of Anguilla, which invariably compete for limited resources.”
“We might feel that as Anguillians we will see the bigger picture and therefore do what is required for the benefit of Anguilla.” To that we say the same, having been thrown right back at least nearly ten years at least, forgetting that we have been trying since 1996 when the UK committed to building a new Montserrat with life centered in the northern half of the island.
So they came up with a shopping list which must have been exasperated and became much longer following the passage of hurricane Irma which devastated the island perhaps worse that Hugo did Montserrat in 1989. Of course, for Montserrat, nothing can compare to Soufriere Hill’s volcanic extreme decimation. We note that Anguilla and the other OTs particular BVI Tortola etc. have referenced the shameful position Montserrat is in the UK’s response up to date as to their expectation for UK’s assistance.
The shopping list referred to the improvement and needs, specifically mentioning: Education,
Health, Sports, Theatre Arts, Air & Sea Access, Road Development, Government Office Accommodation.
So how is Montserrat doing having come up with a Development plan from 2008 – 2020, an Strategic Growth Plan out of that in 2012? And if we take from the shopping list above, we can take a mark of zero.
Why and how in the circumstances of the few major things on the list being undertaken Montserrat is being told – go look for private partnerships (PPP) on projects already agreed and/or approved?
We draw attention to Air & Sea Access, Government Office Accommodation from the list above, and add, infrastructural development (such as fibre optic cable) health (hospital and medical schools).
On Government office accommodation: vital for building a national consciousness, Parliament building, Court House, and a Premier’s state house. All these do not need the question of justification. It is a disgrace – and whoever should take a bow in admission should lift it high and say ‘forward on’ here we go.
We know where the weaknesses and stumbling blocks are! Much of it among us from and by our own, but disgrace to the HMG for knowing and using it to block the progress it is obligated to and actually promised.
It is why old and especially new politicians obviously do not care or do not understand the hurdle that must be overcome rather saying that we look to the wrong places. That change as much as it may be the eventual route will not come overnight, and without the fight to have done, what is right.
We would warn that the hood winked approach at only the sea access importance is a very limited look at the progress of tourism building in Montserrat. It is a mistake and recent tourism strategy from 2012 will show this.
